Linda Uren, director of children's services at GCC, said: ''The county council will be carrying out a full investigation into the allegations made, working closely with Gloucestershire Police, the Metropolitan Police and the Department of Education.

“We will do everything in our power to find out exactly what happened many years ago, and ensure that everything is being done to keep young people safe from harm today.''

According to the council, the investigation will cover the process for protecting children in Parklands at the time, how they compare to now and is everything being done now to protect our young people.

The investigation will be carried out according to guidance received from the Department of Education and overseen by Lucy Scott-Moncrieff who has been appointed to ensure the quality of the process.

Education Secretary Michael Gove announced this morning, Thursday, that 21 homes and schools in England were being investigated in a written statement to Parliament.

The claims date from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

* Did you work at Parklands Children's Home or have any connection with it? Please contact Kate Wilson at the SNJ on 01453 769414 or email kwi@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk in confidence.